State Housing Voucher Program

The SHV Program is a collaborative program between the Department of Human Services (CDHS), Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) and the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), Division of Housing (DOH).The State Housing Voucher Program (SHV) provides rental assistance for hard-to-serve homeless persons, or persons in jeopardy of becoming homeless with disabilities in connection with supportive services funded from sources outside the program.

The SHV Program is designed to provide housing and supportive services on a long-term basis for homeless persons, or persons in jeopardy of becoming homeless with mental illness or individuals who are homeless or persons in jeopardy of becoming homeless with a mental illness and a co-occurring substance use disorders, and their families. The SHV Program allows for a variety of housing choices, and a range of supportive services funded by other sources, in response to the needs of the hard-to-reach homeless population with disabilities.

The definition of "homeless" includes: (1) people who resided in a shelter or place not meant for human habitation and who are exiting an institution where he or she temporarily resided; (2) people who are losing their housing in 14 days and lack support networks or resources to obtain housing; (3) people who have moved from place to place and are likely to continue to do so because of disability or other barriers; and (4) people who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.